They were longing for a better
country—a heavenly one.
—Hebrews 11:6
Early Christians collided with harsh circumstances: confiscation of property and possessions—even loss of life.
They didn’t endure such treatment with “Why me?” bitterness. They accepted it joyfully because they knew that even in this life, what they had gained was better than what they had lost. And looking beyond this life, they knew that they “had better and lasting possessions” (Heb 10:34).
Jesus said, “When [bad things] happen to you, be happy . . . You will have a great reward in heaven” (Lk 6:23).
You can’t avoid suffering the loss of family and friends, and perhaps the loss of health and wealth in this life.
But not the loss of faith, salvation, and the promises of God.
And then there is life to come.
You live. You die. You live.